Fully Digested

Now that I have had the chance to fully digest the football game from Saturday (as well as the comments from fans following the game), I will post my thoughts in no particular order.

1 - Utah fans should be asking the question, "where has this team been all year?" As someone who watched / listened to every game for both teams all year, you have to be disappointed. Where was that passion and energy against UNM, AFA, WYO, and Boise St.? Face it. Utah is a home team and cannot play well on the road....either way, props to them for actually challenging the Cougars.

2 - The might have fallen. From an undefeated BCS team a mere two years ago, the Utes have reverted back to the role of little brother / spoiler. A good season is not based upon whether you beat BYU or not, it should be measured in Wins, Conference Titles, and Bowl Appearances. What happened to that attitude (among fans, coaches, and players)?

3 - I know that most fans in this state of both schools are total tools. Most did not even attend the school that the root for and furthermore, most are fans of the school and not of the sport. This is most clearly exhibited by attendance at Rice-Eccles. If you truly support your team - go to all home games, not just the last game of the season.

4 - Both teams could make legitimated complaints about the officiating in the game. There were calls (or on-calls) that went against both teams. Don't blame your team's loss on the refs. Blame Resident DA Mtn West Commissioner Criag Thompson. As far as pass interference calls go, get a clue. Defenders must play the ball and not the man. Over the past 3 years, I have seen more than my fair share of PI calls on Cougar DBs. If you do not turn around (this is for you Steve Tate and for your Joe Jianonni) you will get flagged every time. If you as a fan do not understand this rule, re-read bullet point #4 and watch some games once in a while.

5 - Jo. Beck is the man. He was thrown into a terrible situation in his first couple of years. He fought through it and never complained. Class guy who made the most of his potential and proved all of the doubters wrong. He played his best when his team needed him with the game on the line. Kudos. To all of the Utah fans that may mock him for showing emotion and crying in a press conference 3 years ago need to look at their head coach and his tears following the game on Saturday. Don't be hypocrites. Sport is a great venue to show passion and emotion and people should not be criticized for it.

6 - Andy Ludwig is the luckiest man alive. Dude got pounded every day all season long for their anemic offense and he gets bailed out by Jo. Beck improvisation on Gary Anderson's defense. All of you Utah fans that are calling for Anderson's head are morons. One play does not a season make. Had called a blitz (like the play before), Beck would have gotten the ball to Harline over the top (you cannot stop that play two times in a row). Where was all of this criticism when Utah gave up a huge lead in the second half to UNM? How about the two first half blow outs to WYO and Boise St? Further evidence that the BYU game was the only game that Utah fans watched.

In conclusion, it was a great game and I am glad that my team came out on top and that I get to mock all of the Utards. Have fun in Ft. Worth with our sloppy seconds. Just like TCU, we gave you the blueprint on how to beat Tulsa (and we softened them up for you).

Look at the bright side, Utah fan, you always have basketball season!